The Knicks' trade for Raptors forward Andrea Bargnani was not necessarily a public darling, because it meant New York would take on yet another oft-injured big man whose effort has been questioned at times.

Carmelo Anthony doesn't see the problem. He did not want to see former teammates Steve Novak and Marcus Camby sent to Toronto, but he is excited about the prospects of having a former No. 1 pick and former franchise player.

"Hopefully, Bargnani will want to come in and prove something, come in with a chip on his shoulder and be ready to rock," Anthony said, according to Newsday.

Bargnani, who has played only 66 games the past two seasons, had his best year in 2009-10, when he capitalized on his 7-foot frame and became more aggressive, averaging 6.2 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game. That effort coincided with his most healthy season, as Bargnani played 80 games, the most of his career.

He had appeared to turn the corner as a four-year player, but soon slipped back into old habits. He rebounding was down the next year and he never amassed more than 1.0 block per game again.

Anthony plays with one of the NBA's best defensive big men in Tyson Chandler, and Anthony seems to expect the '09-10 Bargnani.

"To have him on our team right now brings some more toughness to our team and another defensive presence," Anthony said.